Monday Briefing

An Albuquerque, N.M., business sold more than 300 flags Wednesday, both the American flag and the "Don't Tread on Me" flag from the American Revolution.

The store owner said the business never had sold that many flags in a similar span in 32 years.

Stores and businesses across the nation have reported a sharp increase in American flag sales.

As a result of Tuesday's terrorist attack, Americans are uniting behind freedom in impressive fashion, and the recent popularity of Old Glory is a primary indication of this unity.

On a local level, Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis initiated its flag distribution service Saturday, a tribute usually reserved for national holidays. Thousands of Amarilloans proudly displayed the American flag in front of their homes.

This is just a small example of American loyalty and pride no terrorist act can extinguish.

For those fortunate enough to already possess Old Glory, fly it high.

Safety first

The Dimmitt City Council voted unanimously Sept. 10 to raze "The Forest," a remote area near town that is known as a notorious teen hangout where allegations of drinking and smoking are not uncommon.

The vote was related to a fatal car accident Aug. 19 that resulted in the deaths of two Dimmitt teens near The Forest.

Council members and city officials previously debated destroying the area near the former town of Flagg's school. Ownership of the land has been a question, leading to the area's reputation as a teen hangout.

Council members took the appropriate steps to rid the community of a public danger.

The two recent deaths are not the only fatalities related to The Forest.

The eradication of this area will not erase these tragedies, but the council's decision will serve as a reminder to the community and will increase public safety.

A show of respect

The decision by the National Football League on Thursday to forego Sunday's slate of games and tonight's game as a result of Tuesday's tragedy was appropriate as a show of respect to those who lost their lives and their families and friends.

League officials labored over the decision, which was criticized and supported to equal degrees by players, owners and the public.

Opponents of the decision did not want an act of terrorism to dictate America's actions or sense of normalcy.

These concerns are valid, but the desires or feelings of a murdering terrorist are irrelevant.

The New York Giants, who play at Giants Stadium, were scheduled to host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Giants Stadium is about 10 miles from the site of the World Trade Center.

A meaningless football game held in the backdrop of the worst act of terrorism on U.S. soil at the same time tireless workers comb through a mountain of rubble only miles away presents an image that is not representative of America.

Major League Baseball postponed six days of games for much the same reason, including safety issues, which should also be a consideration.

Football fans might have missed their pastime Sunday, but respect for the greatest country in history makes this a small sacrifice.